MATHS

At Hoo we want our students to have a love of numeracy, creating an excitement and enthusiasm for the subject. We believe it is important that all children share their mathematical thinking, as it will develop their confidence within the subject. We are building our children’s abilities to be able to use the skills from lessons, and giving the children the chance to use these in all areas of the curriculum. Where possible, we use real life circumstances in order to develop their problem solving skills so that children are able to apply this in their own lives. Children are also given the opportunity to develop their love of numeracy through the use of technology.

Our Maths Mission is to give every child confidence in maths so that pupils develop mathematical fluency, reasoning and a love of number!

In the maths curriculum there is a real importance placed on the ‘foundations’ of mathematics; knowing times tables, number bonds, being able to use and calculate with decimals and large numbers (going into millions). It is important that children not only know key facts (e.g. x tables to 12 x 12 and number bonds) but are able to recall them very quickly and accurately. This is an area in which you at home can make a real difference. Please find ways that you can help in the links below (websites, suggested practice activities and additional homework sheets for those who wish to use them).

Why is Mathematics so important?

Department for Education, 2014

‘Mathematics is a creative and highly interconnected discipline. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment.’

Mathematics gives children a set of tools to understand and change the world, such as logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think in abstract ways. We want children to enjoy maths and discover the connections between real-life and abstract problems.

In the early stages of learning, we play games and develop maths learning through practical and hands on experiences. Research has shown that playing games develops various mathematical concepts.